Planetary transmission system



G. FLElscHEL PLANETARY TRANSMISSION SYSTEM Nov. 21, 1939.

Filed Jan. 31, 1939 Patented Nev. 21, 1939 nmrnr ramsmsslon srs'rau.

Gaston ll'lcisciiel. Blmoau, Yonne, France Application January 3l, 1980, Serial No. :258,007 In France February I, 1988 1l Claims. (Cl. 'I4-8) The presentfinvention Irelates to planetary transmission systems adapted to give several gearratios,- of the kind of those described in my c0- pending application Ser. No. 62,383, filed February 4, 1936.

In this prior application1 I explained how it is possible to obtain a plurality of different gear ratios by means of combinations of any number of planetary trains, these combinations consisting essentially in connecting any group or member of a train to any member of the next train. Then, among the members which remain free, one is chosen for the drive by the engine, another, preferably chosen in the same train (which is called, for this reason, main train, whereas the other trains are called coupling trains) serves to drive the part to be actuated; finally, the other members which remain free are each provided with a clutch permitting of driving them'at any speed of desired value and with a brake winch can stop them when necessary.

With a system of this kind, the three following characteristics are always obtained, which resuit from the above stated characteristics, whatever be the number of trains in the combination:

A member of the coupling train, or of the whole of said coupling trains, if several coupling trains are provided, is connected with the third member of the main train, the one which is neither the driving member nor the driven member;

Another member of the same whole is connect- .ed through clutch means with the driving shaft.

Finally, a third member is also connected through clutch means with the driven shaft.

The object of the present invention is to provide a combined planetary transmission system of the type above described which has at least one gear ratio in addition to these obtained with the prior system, without'involving the presence of any supplementary gear, and also a dead center or neutral gear which permits of .running the engine while the vehicle is stationary. y

The essential feature of the present invention consists in arranging the rst member of the coupling train or trains, that is to say the member which, in combinations of the type above described, is connected to the third member of the main train, in such manner that it can be uncoupled therefrom and stopped in fixed position in any suitable manner.

In addition to this main feature, which permits of obtaining at least one supplementary gear ratio, the present invention is further characterized by the fact that the rst member of the coupling train or trains can be kept separated from the third member of the main train without undergoing any new connection, in which case I obtain a dead center or neutral gear arrangement.

Other features of the present invention will 5 result from the following detailed description of some specific embodiments thereof.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be hereinafter described, with reference to the'accompanying drawing, given merely by .10

way of example, and in which:

Il'ig.A l is a longitudinal sectional view of a ton system giving five different gear ratios. by means of the combination of two trains,

said transmission system being'made according 15 to the present invention; I

Fig. 2 is a conventional diagrammatic view of the same mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a conventional diagrammatic view of a system according to `the present invention, 20

a system according to the present invention, ca- 26 pable of giving twenty different gear ratios, by combination of four planetary gears.

In Fig. l, I have shown the same mechanism as that described in the first figure of the above mentioned, copending prior application, this 30 mechanism being modified according to the principle of the present invention. I

The main train includes the driving shaft `l and the central pinion 2 (driving member), the

driven shaft 5 rigid with disc 3 (drivenmem- 35 ber), bearing, through a plurality of pins or spindles, planet wheels 4, and, finally. as third member, wheel I which is free to rotate on shaft l.

T'he coupling train includes a planet-wheel 40 carrying plate or disc 1, with suitable pins or spindles carying a series of planet wheels 8, a central pinion l, preferably of elongated shape, the teeth of which extend, for instance, over the whole length thereof, said pinion 9 being adapt- 45 ed to turn freely on the driving shaft i, and an external wheel i0, adapted to turn freely about the hub of wheel 0, for instance.

The central pinion 9 and the external wheel I0 constitute. respectively, the coupling mem- 50 bers of the coupling train, and, as such, they must be provided with clutch means and braking. means, for instance as follows: v

' Each of these members is provided with a suitable friction surface, for instance a double cone', lili ||a|2a for member 9, this cone being carried by a disc the sliding hub of which is adapted to move along the teeth of pinion 9, whereby said disc can move axially with respect to pinion 9 while remaining in driving mesh therewith.

For member I0, cones Ila. and IZb are xed for instance directly to wheel I0, the whole being adapted to slide axially along the teeth of the planet-Wheels. i

Springs |3a `for cone Ha. and |3b for cone IIb apply these cones respectively against the cones |4a carried by the ldriving shaft I, and I4b carried by shaft 5. In this way, the engagement conditions of coupling members 9 and I0 are normally ensured by engagement of pinion 9 with shaft I and of wheel I0 with shaft 5.

In order to produce the braking conditions which must be substituted for the clutch engagement conditions, I provide, for. obtaining the various gear ratios, circular chambers IBa and lsb, for instance provided in the outer casing 'of the system, with circular rings 15a and |5b en'- gaged in said chambers and acting as pistons.

It is possible to send a fluid, a liquid or a gas under pressure, for instance oil, into the annular space thus provided, for instance owing to a suitable conduit I1, connected to a compressor 49 and provided with fluid distributing means such as I8 and I9.

The portion of rings |5a and |5b opposed to the face that receives the oil pressure is given the shape of a cone, as shown at 20a and 20h. In this way, if oil under pressure is forced into these chambers, these cones carried by the pistons, when moving axially, can come into contact with cones Ila and |21). By pushing back these cones, against the action of their respective springs, they prevent them4 from stopping, and, at the same time, they separate cones Ila and, 4a, ||b and |4b, which, prior to this, were in contact. In this way, I substitute, for parts ,9 and I0, braking conditions to clutch engage- .ment conditions as occurred precedingly. Of

course, the control of brake 20a is independent of that of brake 20h.

According to the invention, planet-wheel carrier 1, with its planet-wheels and their spindles, is made axially slidable. It is provided wltli clutch teeth |02 capable of cooperating with corresponding teeth |03 provided on the hub of wheel 6. On the other side of the planet-wheels 8 Iv provide another plate or disc |00 provided with a groove |0| in which can be engaged an operating fork |04 carried by a sliding rod |05, and clutch teeth |06 capable of cooperating with corresponding teeth |01 carried by a fixed plate or disc |08 connected to the frame of the mechanism. f

Wheel I0 and pinion 9 have a sumcient length of free teeth for permitting planet-wheel carrier 1 to move axially without ceasing to be in mesh with these parts.

'I'his system will work in the following manner:

When fork |04 is moved toward the right han side of Fig. 1, in such manner as to bring teethv |02 into engagement with teeth |03, which couples the planet-wheel carrier 1 with wheel 6, it is possible to obtain four different gear ratios by the action of the oil distribution.

Fifth gear.-0wing to outlet valves 41 and 48, oil is allowed to escape from chambers I6a and |6b. Through the action of springs |3a and |3b, cones la and Ib are respectively applied against cones Ma and |4b, as shown by the drawing. The

coupling train therefore acts as a rigid block and it drives wheel 6 at the speed `of the engine. Two members of the mainl train have the same speed (that of the engine) so that this last mentioned train also moves as a rigid block and I obtain a gear ratio corresponding to I, that is to say the direct drive.

Fourth speed-Oil is sent under pressure into chamber |6a, while keeping chamber lb'empty. Then the coupling train has its wheel I0 driven at the same speed as the driven shaft, through lcones IIb and I4b, whereas its central pinion 9 is immobilized by cones |2a and 20a brought in contact with each other and held in this position by the oil under pressure of chamber |6a. The planet-wheels can then turnand they impart to their carrier 1, and therefore to the wheel 6 of the main train a `speed lower than the driving speed. It follows that, through the action of the planet-wheels 4 of the main train, shaft 5 is driven more slowly than precedingly.

Third speed ratto-Oil is evacuated from chamber Isa, and, on the contrary, oil under pressure `is fed to chamber |6b. In this way, the wheel I0 of the coupling train is stopped in xed position, whereas the central pinion 9 of-the same train turns at the same speedjas the driving shaft.V Owing to the considerable difference of diameter between pinion 9 and wheel I0, and despite the fact that the central pinion 9 is connected with` the driving shaft, the angular `ve locity of the planet-wheel carrier 1 of the coupling train, and therefore that of the-.wheel 6 of the main train, is still lower than in the preceding case.

Therefore, through the vaction of the planetwheels 4 of the main train, shaft 5 is itself driven at a still lower speed, Y

Second gear rato.-Oil under pressure is fed both to chamber I6a and to chamber lib. By

the application of cones 20a on 1 |2'a and 20h on |2b, the wheel I0 and the central pinion 9 of the coupling train are kept in fixed position. This causes the planet-wheel carrier 1 to stop because planet wheels 8 cannot turn, so that the i gagement. As each planetary train has a memi ber which is free, it can turn idly, that is to say without transmitting any power, whatever be the other connections. In this way, the engine can keep rotating while the vehicle is stationary.

First gear ratio-By means of fork |04, teeth |06 are brought into engagement with teeth |01. At the same time, oil under pressure is allowed to escape from chambers |6a and |62, in such manner as to engage clutch elements Ila, |4a

and IIb, I 4b. Under these conditions, the main train is-neutralized, since its member 6 'remains without connection, and this train can turn freely, as for neutral gear. 'I'he driving power is collected through clutch IIa-Ma, which transmits it to the central pinion 9. As the planet-wheel carrier 1 is immobilized by teeth |06|01, the planet-wheel means act as reversing gear andwheel I0 is given a movement in the reversed direction and at a reduced speed, owing to the difference of the teeth: ofvpinion 9 with a clutch e1 analogous tolla-lla, which with respect to wheel il.- This movement is transmitted through cones ||b and IIb to the driven shaft 5. Therefore, it will be clear that, in the present example, the first gear combination is a reversed gear.

A different result might be obtained with another ratio or another arrangement of the coupling train. But in all cases, this first gear is different from the four others because it is the only one to make use of the coupling gear uncoupled, in the same manner as explained for the main train in another combination, that is to say with a member stopped.

Therefore, I obtain ilve different gearratios with two simple planetary trains, that is 'to sayl with eight wheels when there are two planet wheels for each train and with ten wheels as a whole if each train includes three planet-wheels. 'I'his result is obtained by modifying only one connection of a single member of the coupling train, that is to say the connection with the main train.

Fig. 2 is a conventional illustration of the mechanism of'Fig. 1, which permits of eliminating all constructional details so as to showonly the principle of the invention.

Each train is shown by a mere circle inside which is inscribed the reference character desig nating the train in question. Circle R therefore shows the main train. the three members 2, 0 and 6 of which are shown by three arms, respectively. It will be seen that member 2, which is the central pinion, is fixed to the driving shaft and that member 3 is fixed to the driven shaft 5. Arm 6 is shown as fitted with clutch teeth |03.

The coupling train is shown in a similar manner at. r,v with arms 1, 9 and |0 showing the -three members thereof.

Arm 1 carries the clutch teeth |02 and |00 and it `is supposed to be pivoted at its lower end so as to be able to couple these teeth |02 to the teeth |03 of the .member 0 of the main train' or these clutch teeth |01 with the clutch teeth |01 of a fixed part shown at |00.

Likewise, arms 9 and |0 carry each one fork one branch ||a or I b of which represents the friction surfaces of clutches capable of being connected with the surfaces Ila of the driving shaft or Mb. of the driven shaft. 'I'heother branches |2a and |2b of these forks are capable of being braked by the surfaces 20a-and 201?, the fixed position of which is conventionally shown by the superposition of several lines. All the characteristics of the invention are thus illustrated without any useless detail.

Fig. 3 shows, according to this conventional way of showing, the application of the invention to a combination of three trains, to wit: a main train R and two coupling trains r1 and rz. These two trains are permanently connected together by the member of train r1 connected to the member k of train r2. 'I'he member 1 of train r1 carries clutch teeth |02 and |06 capable of cooperating with the clutch teeth |03` of the member B ofl train R and |01 of the fixed piece |08. The member 9 of train rz carries the clutch surface ||a capable of cooperating with the clutch surface Ila of shaft And the brakingmember g of train ra which is left free is provided Eighth year ratio- Clutch IIa-Ila, brake |2b20b. clutch e1:

, Seventh gear fatta- Brake |2a-20a, brake lib-nb. lumi el:

Sixth gear ratio.-Clutch lla-ila, clutch lIIb-Ill). brake fi;

Fifth ucar ratio.-Brake |2a-20a, clutch IIb-Hb. brake f1:

Fourth gear rath- Clutch lla-Ila, brake |2b-20b, brake fi:

Third gear fatta-Brake |2a-20a, brake |2b-20b, brake f1.

Then, by engaging the clutch teeth |06 with |00 and by simultaneously applying clutches ||a -|4a andv ||b`| 4b, I obtain two further gear ratios, to wit:

Second gear rada-Clutch en First gear tatie-Brake f1.

These tworatios, which may correspond to forward or reverse drive, are different from the others because they utilize separately the combination of the two trains r1 and rz connected in series, in one case with clutch ei applied and in the other casewith brake f1 applied. This corresponds to two vdifferent working conditions for member g, and therefore for the gear ratios given by the whole.

' In order to obtainneutral gear, arm 1 is left without connection, that is to say with all its clutch teeth disengaged. The main train and the whole of the coupling trains become free to move, since they have each one member which is not coupled to any Dllrt.

Therefore, I obtain ten different`gear ratios with three planetary trains, that is to say twelve or fifteen wheels according as eachvtrain includes The main train R. remains unchanged as com-- pared withthe `x'nain train of one of the preceding embodiments. There are three coupling trains, to wit ri. rz, rs. They are connected in the following manner: members l and m of train r1 are connectedrespectively to member k of train rz and member n of train ra. Members 9 and I0 of trains r2 and r: respectively receive the clutches Ila-Ma leading to the driving shaft I and lib-Mb leadingto the .driven shaft 5, and the brakes |2a- 20a and .l2b-20b which permit of immobilizing them. Themember 1 of train r1 carries clutch teeth |02 and |06 capable of cooperatingv with the teeth |03 of the member 6 of the main train R and the member 1 of fixed part |08.

The twenty gear ratios above mentioned are obtained as follows :i

Twentieth gaan-Clutch ||a|4a, clutch IIb- Mb, clutch ei, clutch ez;

First the clutch teeth |02.

Nineteenth gear.-Brake Maf-20a, clutch IIblb, clutch e1, clutch ea;

Eighteenth geen- Clutch ila-Ila, brake lib 20h, clutch e1, clutch ez;

Seventeenth yeah-Brake |2b-20b, clutch e1, clutch ez;

Sixteenth geen-Clutch lia-Ha, clutch Hbidb, brake f1, clutch en:

Fifteenth gear.-Brake H11-20a, clutch IIb- Mb, brake f1, clutch en;

Fourteenth gema-Clutch i ia-Ila, brake |211- 20b, brake f1, clutch en; Thirteenth yeah-Brake IIa-2041, brake |211- 20b, brake ',f1, clutch e2;

Twelfth gema- Clutch ,lia-Ma, 4clutch lib- Ib, clutch e1, brake f2;

Eleventh yearn- Brake lia-20a, clutch lib- Mb, clutch e1, brake fa;

Tenth gaan-Clutch lia-iid, brake lib-20h, clutch e1, brake f2;

Ninth geen- Brake Iza- 2011, brake i2b-20b,

`clutch e1, brake f2;

These four new ratios are different from the y others since they are obtained by separately employing the group of the coupling trains in which each of the members g and h is given two different positions of work which, by combination of braking and clutch engagement, give four new gear ratios. l

Neutral gear is obtained as in the preceding examples, by disengagingclutch teeth |02 and |06 from the respective teeth |03 and |01.

In a Wholly general manner, if the planetary trains are of a number equal to n, I obtain 2n combinations by engagement of teeth |02 with teeth |03 and the` play of the oil distribution means.

Then, by engagement of teeth |06 with teeth |01, I further obtain 21-2 othei` gear ratios. As a matter of fact, the number of the gear ratios that are obtained is equal to ve at a power equal to the number of trains employed less two.

vFor instance, the twenty gear ratios above indicated are obtained with four gear trains, that is to say sixteen or twenty wheels according as each planetary wheel includes two or three planetwheels.

Whatever be the number of trains that is utilized, it is obvious that the invention is always applicable, since it concerns only the connecting members 6 and 1 of the main train R with the rst coupling train r1, and the friction couplings. mounted on the members 9 and l0 of the vcoupling trains.

In a general manner, while I have, in the above description, disclosed what I deem to be practical and efficient embodiments of the present invention, it should be well understood that I nza-ara, brake do `not wishto be limited thereto as there might be changes made in the arrangement. disposition and form of the parts without departing from the principle of the present invention en comprehendecl within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. A planetary gearing system for connecting two shafts, which comprises, in combination, a main planetary train and at least one coupling planetary train, each of these trains comprising three elements, means for permanently connecting two elements of said main train to said shafts, respectively, the elements of said coupling train being rotatable with respect to said shafts, means for detachably connecting one element of said coupling train with the third element of said main train or for immobilizing said element of the coupling train, and means for controlling the two other elements of said coupling train.

2. A planetary gearing system for connectin two shafts, which comprises. in combination, a main planetary train and at least one coupling planetary train, each of these trains including three elements, means for permanently connecting two elements o' said main train to said shafts, respectively, the elements of said coupling train being rotatable with respect to said shafts, means for detachably connecting one element of said coupling train with the third element of said main train or for leaving said element oi the coupling train wholly unconnected, and means for controlling the two other elements oi? said coupling train.

3. A planetary gearing system for connecting two shafts, which comprises, in combination, a main planetary train and at least one coupling planetary train, each of these trains including three elements, means for permanently connecting two elements of said main train to said shafts, respectively, the elements of said coupling train being rotatable with respect to said shafts, means for detachably connecting one Aelement of said coupling train with the third element of said main train, or for leaving said element of the coupling train unconnected, or again for immobilizing said element of the coupling train, and means for controlling the two other elements of said coupling train.

4. A planetary gearing system for connecting two shafts, which comprises, in combination, a main planetary train and at least one coupling planetary train, each of these trains comprising three elements, means for permanently. connecting two elements of said main train to said shafts, respectively, the elements of said coupling train being rotatable with respect to said shafts, means for detachably connecting one element of said coupling train with the third element of said maintrain or for immobilizing said element of the coupling train, and means for controlling the other two elements of said coupling train, including means'for selectively connecting one of said two last mentioned elements of the coupling train with one of said shafts or for braking it.

5. A planetary gearing system for connecting two shafts, which comprises, in combination, a main planetary train and at least one coupling planetary train, each of these trains comprising three elements, means for permanently connecting two elements of said main train to said shafts, respectively, the elements of said coupling train being rotatable with respect to said shafts, means for detachably connecting one element of A9,180,071 said coupling train with the third element of said main train, or for leaving said element of the coupling train unconnected, or again. for immobilizing said element of the coupling train, and means for coupling the other two elements of said coupling train, including means for selectively connecting one of said two last mentioned elements of the coupling train with one of said shafts or for braking it.

6. A planetary gearing system for connecting two shafts, which comprises, in combination, a main planetary train and at least one coupling planetary train, each of these trains-comprising three elements, means for permanently connecting two elements of said main train to said shafts, respectively, the elements of said coupling train being rotatable with respect to said shafts, means for detachably connecting one elementv of said coupling train with the third element of said ing two elements of said main train to said' shafts, respectively, the elements of said coupling train being rotatable with respect to said shafts, means for detachably connecting one element of said coupling train with the third element of said main train, or for leaving said element of the coupling train unconnected, or again for immobilizing `said element of the coupling train, and means for controlling the other two elements of Isaid coupling train, including means for selectively connecting said two last mentioned elements of said coupling train to said shafts, respectively, or for braking them.v

. 8. A planetary system for connecting two shafts, which comprises, in combination, a main planetary train and at least one coupling planetary train, each of these trains including three elements, means for permanently connecting two elements of said main train to said two shafts, respectively, the elements of said coupling train being rotatable with respect to said shafts, clutch means for connecting at will one element of said" coupling train with the third element of said main train, a fixed part, means for detachably fixing said elementofsaid coupling train with said fixed part, means for keeping said element of said coupling train unconnected, clutch means for connecting one of the two other elements of said coupling train with one of said shafts, means for braking said last mentioned element of said coupling train with respect to said xed part, clutch means for connecting the third element of said coupling train with the other of said shafts, and means for braking said last mentioned element of said coupling train with respect to said ilxed part.

9. A planetary gearing system for connecting two shafts, which comprises, in combination, a

main planetary train and at least one coupling planetary train, each of these trains including three elements, means for permanently connecting two elements of said main train to said two shafts, respectively, the elements of said coupling train being rotatable with respect to said shafts,

positive clutch meansV for'connecting at will oneA element of d -coupling trainv with the third element of said main train, a fixed part, means for positively connecting said element ofl said coupling train with said xed part, so as to immobilize said element of said coupling train, means for keeping said element of said coupling train unconnected, clutch means for connecting one of the'two other elements of said coupling train with one of said shafts, spring means for urging said clutch means toward active position,

means for braking said last mentioned element of said coupling train with respect to said iixed K part while disengagingsaid clutch means, fluid operated means for controlling said braking means, clutch means for connecting the third of the elements of said coupling train with the other shaft, spring means for urging said last mentioned clutch means toward active position, means for braking said last mentioned element of said coupling train .with respect to said iixed part while disengaging said last mentioned clutch means, and fluid operated means for controlling said last mentioned braking means.

10. A planetary gearing system for connecting two shafts, which comprises, in combination, a

main planetary train and two coupling trains, each of these trains including three elements, means for vpermanently connecting two elements of said main train' to said two shafts, respectively, the elements of said coupling trains being rotatable with respect to said shafts, clutch means for connecting at will one element 0f one of said coupling trains with the third element of said main train, a fixed part, means for positively.connecting said element of said coupling train with said fixed part, so as to immobilize `said element of said coupling train, means-for keeping said element of said coupling train unconnected, clutch means for connecting one of the twoother elements of said coupling train withone of said shafts, means for braking said last mentioned element of said coupling train with respect to said fixed part while disengaging said clutch means, means for directly connecting the third element of said coupling train with one of the elements of the second coupling train, clutch means for connecting the second element of said second coupling train with said third element of said main train, means for braking said second element of said second coupling train with respect to said fixed part, means for detachably connecting the third element of said second coupling train with the other shaft, and means for braking said third element of said second coupling train with respect to said xed part.

11. A planetary gearing system for connecting two shafts, which comprises, in combination, a main planetary train and three coupling trains, each of these trains including three elements, means for permanently connecting two elements of said main train to -said two shafts, respectively,

, the elements of said coupling trains being rotatlast mentioned elements with respect to said xed part while disengaging the corresponding last mentioned clutch means, clutch. means for connecting another element of each of the two last mentioned coupling trains with the third element of said main train, means for braking said two last mentioned elements of said two last mentioned coupling traits with respect to said fixed of said rst mentioned coupling train, respectively.

GASTON FLEISCIM.. 

